AudioCircle

Industry Circles => Omega Speaker Systems => Topic started by: Jolly on 27 Mar 2019, 05:31 pm

Title: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: Jolly on 27 Mar 2019, 05:31 pm
   I would appreciate opinions regarding the differences and preferences of anyone who has owned and or auditioned Omega single driver speakers and
  Omega 1.5 way speakers. Thank you.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: pstrisik on 27 Mar 2019, 05:53 pm
Hi Jolly,

See the first post in my thread, https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=163154.0, for some opinion.

..........Pete
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: jmolsberg on 27 Mar 2019, 06:34 pm
It really is a difficult question to answer. Both sound amazing. omega speakers are just darn musical! The single driver sounds a little more pure but are slightly leaner sounding. The 1.5 has a little more meat on the bone but the trade off is, they are slightly less coherent sounding. If you are listening in a bigger room and prefer a little bigger sound, the 1.5 is the ticket.  Smaller room, more nearfield, the single driver all day.  Either way, you are getting a damn fine sounding speaker. I have the 1.5 and my buddy has the single driver - it really is splitting hairs. The 1.5 offset are killer looking!
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: roscoe65 on 27 Mar 2019, 07:30 pm
It really is a difficult question to answer. Both sound amazing, omega speakers are just darn musical! The single driver sounds a little more pure but are slightly leaner sounding. The 1.5 has a little more meat on the bone but the trade off is, they are slightly less coherent sounding. If you are listening in a bigger room and prefer a little bigger sound, the 1.5 is the ticket.  Smaller room, more nearfield, the single driver all day.  Either way, you are getting a damn fine sounding speaker. I have the 1.5 and my buddy has the single driver - it really is splitting hairs. The 1.5 offset are killer looking!

I own single driver and 1.5 way RS5 speakers.  This post is spot on.

Single Driver:

Pro’s:

Coherent sound
Pure point source
Strong midrange presence
Best nearfield performance

Con’s:

Runs it of steam pretty quickly.  Really can only use about 5 watts.
Sounds lean, but that can be addressed by wall placement and wide baffle, but will always sound lean.
Midbass is not all that satisfying.

1.5 way:

Pro’s:

Much more dynamic
Works well in a larger room and away from walls
More power handling
Much better midbass

Con’s:

Sounds more like a conventional two way speaker.  It loses some immediacy.
Can have too much midbass depending on your amp.  If you amp doubles power into low impendance (i.e., SS amp) than the second driver adds 6dB to the low end, twice as much as with a tube amp.
More money.  With my needs, the 1.5 way does not sound that much better than the single driver speaker to justify the extra cost.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: pstrisik on 30 Mar 2019, 02:48 am
Being a SAMHO newbie, I'm experimenting.  I plugged the ports.  Plugging the ports on the SAMs just made things too thin.  But plugging the HOs is magic!  I had to do some reading about what happens.  Of course there is some differences of opinion, particularly about frequency response.  The most common opinion is that plugging just causes the roll off to happen sooner.  So bass is somewhat less loud.  However the bass that remains is tighter.  This is great for me given powered mid-woofers and subs as it makes integration work much better.  I think it would work for anyone with just subs as well.  Probably best with two.

More on point is that it increases coherence.  Reading indicated a simple explanation.  The port emits sound, as does the driver, of course.  But that is two sound sources which causes phase issues.  Plugging eliminates that.

To me, they now sound like SAMs with better dynamics and bass response. 

Or maybe I like it as I cut my teeth on the New England sound:  AR, Advent, KLH, etc.  All sealed (acoustic suspension).  I suppose the ideal would be to calculate the box volume for sealed; it is probably a bit different in required volume than ported.  But it is working beautifully for me.

Anyone else tried this, or care to try and report results?

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=192693)

Are you ready for some football?!  (I ordered black sponge balls)

........Pete

Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: Folsom on 30 Mar 2019, 04:10 am
The ones I heard would have been better as 1.5. I don’t know why it wouldn’t sound as coherent. I think that’s probably nonsense. But it might be harder to pick out as much detail when you have proper bass and midbass. I would imagine sealed could sound nice for 1.5.

Sealed rolls off way less steep, but may start a little earlier. Ports drop like a rock just a bit after tuning frequency. Either can be good.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: slefley on 30 Mar 2019, 01:06 pm
Pete, where did you find the balls to fit the SAHO ports?  I can only find soft ones that are too large or the right size that are hard plastic?
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: JLM on 30 Mar 2019, 01:40 pm
Bottom Line: there's no perfect speaker.

But I'd vote for single driver, 'real' (properly designed) 2-way, or a single driver with sub(s) over a mock 2-way (1.5 way) any day of the week.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: pstrisik on 30 Mar 2019, 02:51 pm
Pete, where did you find the balls to fit the SAHO ports?  I can only find soft ones that are too large or the right size that are hard plastic?

For 3", the only place I found black:
http://themagicwarehouse.com/SU2157/Sponge-Balls-3-inch-by-Goshman.html

Or Amazon for red and maybe other colors:
https://www.amazon.com/Goshman-Sponge-Amazing-Tricks-Instructions/dp/B07H47XK69/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=Goshman&qid=1553957364&s=gateway&sr=8-9


I assume 3" will be fine.  3.5" would be great for a snug fit, but this is the closest I found.  I'll see how they fit later this coming week when they arrive.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: pstrisik on 30 Mar 2019, 02:54 pm
Bottom Line: there's no perfect speaker.

But I'd vote for single driver, 'real' (properly designed) 2-way, or a single driver with sub(s) over a mock 2-way (1.5 way) any day of the week.

Have you listened to SAMHO 1.5 way?  Tried with port closed?
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: jmolsberg on 30 Mar 2019, 04:07 pm
^ my guess is he has not listened to an omega 1.5..  doesn't matter. Louis addressed what might be an apprehension to the single driver and did a fine job implementing. Doesn't sound anything like a two-way or a mock two-way, though I haven't heard a mock two-way. They sound much more similar than they do different. I could live with either happily.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: Canada Rob on 30 Mar 2019, 05:09 pm
JLM may correct me on this, but I think the only time he has heard any Omega was years ago at a trade show, and I think it wasn't even a current model(s).  It would be nice for him to hear a few of Louis' current offerings.  Maybe then he would change his tune when he comes on here to a more positive note.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: DaveC113 on 30 Mar 2019, 05:17 pm
Bottom Line: there's no perfect speaker.

But I'd vote for single driver, 'real' (properly designed) 2-way, or a single driver with sub(s) over a mock 2-way (1.5 way) any day of the week.

Based on what?  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: nature boy on 30 Mar 2019, 05:18 pm
People who haven't listened to Omega single driver or 1.5 way designs should really not speculate on how they sound. You do a disservice to AC members trying to make a tough decision without the benefit of them being able to listen with THEIR ears.

I have listened to Louis's 8" single driver floorstanders and the Super Alnico High Output XRS speakers with several different amplifiers. Both speakers sound great and sound very similar due to the hemp cone drivers. I prefer listening to the speakers with tube amplification.

The primary tradeoff with Omega Speakers is bass vs. speed (transient response time). Single driver speakers have slightly faster transient times. The 1.5 way configuration is exceptionally coherent and gives you slightly better bass as compared to it's single driver equivalent. None of the speakers are truly full range and have limited bass response.

Try to listen for yourself if you can find an AC member with a pair near you.

NB
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: DaveC113 on 30 Mar 2019, 05:23 pm
Being a SAMHO newbie, I'm experimenting.  I plugged the ports.  Plugging the ports on the SAMs just made things too thin.  But plugging the HOs is magic!  I had to do some reading about what happens.  Of course there is some differences of opinion, particularly about frequency response.  The most common opinion is that plugging just causes the roll off to happen sooner.  So bass is somewhat less loud.  However the bass that remains is tighter.  This is great for me given powered mid-woofers and subs as it makes integration work much better.  I think it would work for anyone with just subs as well.  Probably best with two.

More on point is that it increases coherence.  Reading indicated a simple explanation.  The port emits sound, as does the driver, of course.  But that is two sound sources which causes phase issues.  Plugging eliminates that.

To me, they now sound like SAMs with better dynamics and bass response. 

Or maybe I like it as I cut my teeth on the New England sound:  AR, Advent, KLH, etc.  All sealed (acoustic suspension).  I suppose the ideal would be to calculate the box volume for sealed; it is probably a bit different in required volume than ported.  But it is working beautifully for me.

Anyone else tried this, or care to try and report results?



Phase issues are non-existent at the frequencies the port emits.

The big downside of plugging the ports is it'll create excessive excursion as SPLs increase. The upside is, at least in your case, it improved the quality of the bass. I say in your case, because it's very likely an effect of your own room acoustics and/or overlap effects w your woofer, and may not apply to other systems. In fact, simply changing the positioning of your system or changing the size of the room may completely change the results you're getting.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: DaveC113 on 30 Mar 2019, 05:29 pm
People who haven't listened to Omega single driver or 1.5 way designs should really not speculate on how they sound. You do a disservice to AC members trying to make a tough decision without the benefit of them being able to listen with THEIR ears.


HK

Yup, the big advantage of a .5 way design whether it's 1.5 or 2.5, is the drivers sound the same because they ARE the same.

One of the big reasons single drivers are coherent has NOTHING to do with phase or point source or crossover... it's because multi-way speakers often use drivers that don't sound the same. I can take the exact same speaker and by changing nothing but the diaphragm of the tweeter in question, go from a speaker that sounds incoherent and somewhat disjointed to one that is seamlessly integrated. Without changing the xo, without changing anything about the phase/time relationship, without point-source, etc... it's simply that one driver sound different...  .5 way solves this issue.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: RDavidson on 30 Mar 2019, 05:34 pm
Yeah. I don't understand the mentality of dismissing something without personal experience. I guess we should all let 100 year old books and science tell us what music we're supposed to enjoy too? We're talking about entertainment. It's art. It's subjective. If you're curious about any speakers, Omega or otherwise, and have the means to give them a try, just do so and come to your own conclusions. I enjoy my CAMs very much and I've tried many speakers over the years. I'd like to try the 1.5 ways some time.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: nature boy on 30 Mar 2019, 05:39 pm
Yup, the big advantage of a .5 way design whether it's 1.5 or 2.5, is the drivers sound the same because they ARE the same.

One of the big reasons single drivers are coherent has NOTHING to do with phase or point source or crossover... it's because multi-way speakers often use drivers that don't sound the same. I can take the exact same speaker and by changing nothing but the diaphragm of the tweeter in question, go from a speaker that sounds incoherent and somewhat disjointed to one that is seamlessly integrated. Without changing the xo, without changing anything about the phase/time relationship, without point-source, etc... it's simply that one driver sound different...  .5 way solves this issue.

Dave,

Thanks for the additional, spot on information and clarification on the drivers.

NB
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: rjbond3rd on 30 Mar 2019, 07:49 pm
The benefit of a 1.5 is that it can be positioned further from boundaries (i.e., you can pull the speakers into the room and position them for imaging).  It prevents the speakers from sounding thin or bright (and avoids the need for a corrective filter that most single-driver speakers need).

It's similar to the "loudness" button on vintage receivers.  If it sounds bass-heavy (LOL), you just pull the speakers into the room a bit more. I've never heard it sound bad.  The only downsides I can think of is the expense, and the resulting impedance could be an issue in some situations.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: guf on 30 Mar 2019, 08:52 pm
Hey just realized that this orb mini fits in my HO SAMs. I only have one so I can't comment on the sound but I'd like to try.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=192733)

https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Tec-Athletics-Extreme-mobility-massage/dp/B01N213PGX/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=orb+mini&qid=1553978942&s=gateway&sr=8-3
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: doggie on 30 Mar 2019, 11:45 pm
I am assuming that by 1.5 you are referring to the newer Omegas that have one crossover-less driver on top of a second driver, that has a simple 6db low pass coil filter on a similar driver as in the Super Alnico High Output XRS Tower.

I previously owned the Alnico single driver version of that same speaker. Both use Alnico drivers and both are towers. I liked the single driver XRS a lot. It had great imaging, delicacy and a well defined sound stage. However I always wanted it to play a bit more convincingly on large orchestral pieces and to have better dynamics. When Louis started making the HO version I traded up to it. This is a true end game speaker. It gives up nothing in terms of delicacy, imaging or tonality but has wonderful dynamics and can easily fill my 15 x 20 den with a very deep and wide soundstage with excellent localization. It is better than the previous XRS in all ways.

When I purchased it the crossover was set to 300Hz. After speaking with Louis we decided that was a bit too high, and within the vocal range, so he send me some new crossover coils to bring the point down to 200Hz. He agreed that was probably a better x-over point and so made that his standard.

I tried the nerf balls with both sets of speakers but found that the sound lost focus. I use two  SVS 12" subs which sit next to each tower. These are set to about 50Hz and tuned by ear.

The HO Alnico towers are great and for me a big improvement over the previous one driver model.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: JLM on 31 Mar 2019, 10:45 am
Have you listened to SAMHO 1.5 way?  Tried with port closed?

Sorry for upsetting the Omega fan club. 

Not interested enough to drive to someone's house (no doubt hundreds of miles each way) to listen.  Too bad Louis does so little marketing, but I understand.  Would indeed like to hear his current offerings as I'm still a single driver fan (for the right music).  The dipole/bipole models he used to offer made more sense to me than 1.5 high output versions. 

Still own very nice single driver speakers that frankly are a big step up from Omegas in terms of bass extension and ultimate output but have moved along to large 2-way active studio monitors that are overall even better performers.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: DaveC113 on 31 Mar 2019, 02:41 pm
Sorry for upsetting the Omega fan club. 

Not interested enough to drive to someone's house (no doubt hundreds of miles each way) to listen.  Too bad Louis does so little marketing, but I understand.  Would indeed like to hear his current offerings as I'm still a single driver fan (for the right music).  The dipole/bipole models he used to offer made more sense to me than 1.5 high output versions. 

Still own very nice single driver speakers that frankly are a big step up from Omegas in terms of bass extension and ultimate output but have moved along to large 2-way active studio monitors that are overall even better performers.


...in your imagination.  :P

So, you're not interested enough to make any attempts to listen, so instead you imagine what it must be like in your head, and then post that here? Sounds about right...
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: RDavidson on 31 Mar 2019, 07:54 pm
Sorry for upsetting the Omega fan club. 

Thanks for the apology. I guess I'll never enjoy my music in the most analytical and scientific way possible. I will go polish my CAMs with my tears now. :lol:
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: pstrisik on 31 Mar 2019, 08:34 pm
Sorry for upsetting the Omega fan club. 

 :roll: Passive-aggressive insult. 

If I am in the Omega fan club, you are apparently in the Anti-Omega fan club.

Quote
Still own very nice single driver speakers that frankly are a big step up from Omegas in terms of bass extension and ultimate output

You are describing SAMHO's:  SAMs with increased bass extension and output.


Quote
but have moved along to large 2-way active studio monitors that are overall even better performers.

The beauty of the HOs is the main driver is still a full range driver, unadulterated by a passive crossover in front of it as in a 2-way, while providing many of the same benefits.  Opinion based on my listening, not theory.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: RDavidson on 31 Mar 2019, 10:31 pm
pstrisik, this is really nothing new. For years, JLM has been grinding the same axe. He seems personally offended and frustrated that so many people are enjoying Omega speakers without the need for measurements or comprehensive specifications. I don't need to know where the grapes came from to enjoy wine, nor do I need analysis to tell me what I'm supposed to enjoy. Likewise, if that's what helps him sleep at night, cool. To each their own. I guess we need an active monitor forum to keep him and any "fan boys" happy.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: Canada Rob on 1 Apr 2019, 05:09 pm
It appears, from looking at JLM's new system, that he's "moved on".  If anyone can do an almost complete flip in gear type, he has.  That's his business, and I hope he enjoys his system.  I will not criticize his choice.  It's sad that for years though, he's felt it his duty to criticize our choice.  I find it remarkable how he talks about Omega's lack of bass (news to me) and yet his JBL 708P active monitors need to be augmented by 2 subs.  Kind of hypocritical IMO, especially having never heard Omega speakers.

RDavidson said it right that "for years, JLM has been grinding the same axe".  May be he's jealous.  Envy is a hard thing to overcome.
May be he comes on here from time to time just to see what kind of hornet's nest he can stir up, and sometimes (like this time) he's been quite successful. 

My suggestion, is to ignore him altogether no matter what he says.   :sleep:
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: nature boy on 1 Apr 2019, 05:38 pm
Wise words Canada Rob. It's the unfortunate situation that tends to be creeping into AC these days. This site was designed to allow equipment builders and manufacturers (small and some larger, many direct to consumer sans a brick & mortar store) direct communication with audio enthusiasts about their products.

It's a shame when someone receives criticism without the benefit of a member actually using OR listening to their product. Just an unfortunate situation in an open forum with so many exceptional companies and the dedicated people who are behind them. While everyone is entitled to their opinions, we should all avoid speculating about stuff we haven't listened to.

NB
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: mick wolfe on 2 Apr 2019, 01:12 am
FWIW, AudioAsylum is much worse in this regard, especially in the "Cables" and "Tweaks" forums. Criticisms and critiques a plenty from those who have never auditioned let alone even heard a product in question. Yet thru some mysterious given ability, they're able to "audition" the product in their mind. And quite often out comes that old tired "if I can't measure it, it doesn't exist" line. To me this type of post simply represents a non contribution and a complete waste of space.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: JLM on 2 Apr 2019, 12:29 pm
roscoe65 summarized the pluses and minuses quite nicely.  Note that the O.P. asked for experiences and opinions.

Amazing the amount of defensiveness and down right hate generated by my posts.  Shame on you guys.  I own single driver speakers and have for 15 years.  I'm hardly jealous. 

It would be nice if I could hear current Omega offerings, one of my frustrations with Omega.  The closest offer I've gotten to listen was an 8 hour drive round trip in someone's home - not worth satisfying my curiosity.  Finding a chance to A/B single versus 1.5 I imagine would probably be even less convenient.  Another Omega frustration of mine is the lack of published specifications.  Hearing can be deceptive, specifications (if properly derived) cannot.  If measurements or understanding basic concepts aren't important, you're may be a music lover but you're not an audiophile.  Not a slam, unless you seek to hide from the truth.  So frustratingly we rely on owner reviews that are prone to lots of bias.

A monitor with sub(s) is a superior solution to a monitor with added bass driver if you consider the behavior of in-room acoustics.  Most accept mid/treble is best generated away from walls/corners and bass generation the opposite.  Recommend reading Floyd Toole's "Sound Reproduction" a seminal writing to explain in-room acoustics for reasons to have multiple distributed subs and why I use 3 subs. 

Yes, after ~50 years around audio I've learned and have had a few changes of mind in that time.  So am guilty of growth and change while having the best sound of my life.  Was only hoping to open minds to the world beyond. 
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: RDavidson on 2 Apr 2019, 02:35 pm
And the truth comes out, JLM. You are here because you think you need to teach us something and are frustrated that others don't agree or wish to follow your, all-knowing, path. And that's where the defensiveness lies. You want others to listen to you and yet you only listen to yourself. That's fine. You're entitled to your experience. Give others the same respect and let them find what's best for them. Being an audiofile has nothing to do with specs and measurements...but, to you, that's important. Great. Enjoy your pro monitors. Don't be frustrated by what others enjoy!
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: maxima95 on 2 Apr 2019, 03:11 pm
roscoe65 summarized the pluses and minuses quite nicely.  Note that the O.P. asked for experiences and opinions.

 You mischaracterize the OP.  The words in that post are:

  " I would appreciate opinions regarding the differences and preferences of anyone who has owned and or auditioned Omega single driver speakers and
  Omega 1.5 way speakers
. Thank you. "

 You are in no position to respond to the OP at all.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: DaveC113 on 2 Apr 2019, 03:32 pm


Amazing the amount of defensiveness and down right hate generated by my posts.  Shame on you guys.  I own single driver speakers and have for 15 years.  I'm hardly jealous. 




You've gotta be kidding!

JLM, you've been holding a grudge ever since Omega released raw drivers and wouldn't give you measurements or suggested enclosure designs. YOU are a big part of the reason they aren't for sale anymore, and ever since then you've been holding a grudge.

Maybe you should get some help with your issues, because holding grudges for years over nothing sure isn't healthy.

Also, half the stuff you post is pure fantasy or plain wrong.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: pstrisik on 2 Apr 2019, 03:38 pm
You mischaracterize the OP.  The words in that post are:

  " I would appreciate opinions regarding the differences and preferences of anyone who has owned and or auditioned Omega single driver speakers and
  Omega 1.5 way speakers
. Thank you. "

 You are in no position to respond to the OP at all.

Meanwhile, we seem to have lost the OP............
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: roscoe65 on 2 Apr 2019, 05:10 pm
As someone who not only has owned single driver and 1.5 way Omega speakers but who can also compare them side by side, I can offer real world opinion.  JLM's input may be theoretically interesting but is in no way relevant.  I will also add that JLM has no way to to give an informed opinion about the sound of any currently available Omega.

I own a pair of Super 3 HO monitors and an original Super 3 (wide baffle, RS5).  I previously owned a pair of Super 3U's, which are the Super 3 HO with a single driver (effectively).  My Super 3's are almost the same cabinet volume, so we are really comparing two speakers that are very close.

The 1.5 way configuration will give an additional 3dB in bass using a tube amp below the BSC frequency.  It really is a helper driver and works best when not in the extreme nearfield.  However, with a SS amp, the bass response is +6dB, which is overpowering in the midbass and sounds muddy.  With the single inductor that Louis uses, a tube amp is essential.  However, if you really wanted to use a SS amp, you could use a lower BSC frequency to lower the bass boost by 3dB.  In all cases, the power handling and dynamics are higher.

The single driver is only slightly thinner in the bass, and with tube amps does really well.  It has considerably less power handling (feels like 5 or 6 watts) but is much better in the nearfield.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: RDavidson on 2 Apr 2019, 06:30 pm
Thanks for getting us back on the rails roscoe65. :thumb:
I have been intrigued by the 1.5 way RS5 based designs since they came about. I was a former 3XRS owner and a current CAM owner. I listen to my CAMs daily...having come from many highly regarded "traditional" 2-way monitors from KEF, Dynaudio, Paradigm and the like over the years. I enjoy my CAMs immensely, but boy, the speed of the RS5 driver still remains in my mind as a highly addictive audio experience (paired with a First Watt J2). With the .5 filling in the midbass a bit more, I can only imagine :wink:, that they sound wonderful.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: jmolsberg on 2 Apr 2019, 06:43 pm
^ while we are back track, i can't get enough of my 3xrs ho configured in wide baffle w offest drivers. So so fast!

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=192815)



Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: RDavidson on 2 Apr 2019, 06:49 pm
^ while we are back track, i can't get enough of my 3xrs ho configured in wide baffle w offest drivers. So so fast!

Your whole setup is a thing of beauty. You and I still need to meetup sometime, especially since the weather is getting better. :beer:
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: Canada Rob on 2 Apr 2019, 07:02 pm
Lovely system jmolsburg.  Visually tastefully done with nice gear choice and stereo cabinet choice to go with those gorgeous Omegas.  No doubt it sounds as good as it looks.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: jmolsberg on 2 Apr 2019, 09:13 pm
thank you guys!
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: Jolly on 3 Apr 2019, 07:28 pm
   I have been following this thread intently, although I was busy the last few days and I am catching up. Thank you to all those who have given their opinions and actually listened to Omega Single Driver and Omega 1.5's.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: pstrisik on 5 Apr 2019, 11:47 pm
I posted links to order those 3" sponge balls.  Don't do it!!  Mine arrived.  They are 3" exactly, but super soft.  They don't make a good enough seal.  Sorry!  :oops:

They are marketed as magician supplies.  They are soft enough that you can close your hand on them and they will be invisible in your closed fist.  They even come with instructions for some tricks.    :roll:

......Pete
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: RDavidson on 6 Apr 2019, 12:52 am
Magician gear has to meet the strictest of manufacturing tolerances. :lol:
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: pstrisik on 6 Apr 2019, 04:14 pm
Magician gear has to meet the strictest of manufacturing tolerances. :lol:

True.  One wouldn't want things to only partially disappear!   :lol:

Today is change over from snow tires day for me at Costco (wouldn't you know it started snowing this morning?!).  I'm going to stop at the pet store as I'll bet a good size firmer ball may be available there. 

.

.


Maybe I'll find one............

.

(https://i.chzbgr.com/full/7036127232/h4F177ACA/)
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: pstrisik on 7 Apr 2019, 03:37 pm
Found port plugs at PetSmart!

They look like regular tennis balls, but they are bigger.  ~3.25-3.5".  Fit very snugly in the ports.  Kong brand - AST1 SqueakAir Balls Large
 (https://kongcompany.com/squeakair-balls).

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=192978)
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: RDavidson on 7 Apr 2019, 04:49 pm
I suggest attaching some kind of strap or something around them, so that you can easily remove the balls too. Maybe just a thin ribbon of cloth or something like that would work.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: pstrisik on 7 Apr 2019, 05:03 pm
I suggest attaching some kind of strap or something around them, so that you can easily remove the balls too. Maybe just a thin ribbon of cloth or something like that would work.

There's not room and might compromise the seal, though thin cloth would minimize that risk.  They come out reasonably easily with fingers though.  I could push them in further and they would be more difficult to remove without a cord, but the seal is great as you see them.  I don't anticipate removing and reinserting very often.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: screener on 7 Apr 2019, 05:19 pm
Curious as to what benefits you might be hearing with these!
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: pstrisik on 7 Apr 2019, 08:08 pm
Curious as to what benefits you might be hearing with these!

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=163194.msg1736020#msg1736020
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: RDavidson on 8 Apr 2019, 12:34 am
There's not room and might compromise the seal, though thin cloth would minimize that risk.  They come out reasonably easily with fingers though.  I could push them in further and they would be more difficult to remove without a cord, but the seal is great as you see them.  I don't anticipate removing and reinserting very often.

Yeah, I suppose the risk isn't that bad if they fit tightly. Just have to be careful to let them stick out of the port enough that they can be easily removed. Question is, is the port reachable from inside the cabinet, just in case you have to remove a driver and push the ball out of the port.
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: pstrisik on 8 Apr 2019, 12:46 am
Yeah, I suppose the risk isn't that bad if they fit tightly. Just have to be careful to let them stick out of the port enough that they can be easily removed. Question is, is the port reachable from inside the cabinet, just in case you have to remove a driver and push the ball out of the port.

Shouldn't have to remove a driver, the port is screwed on from the outside.  But it has mesh covering the inside opening of the port anyway.  I would have try pretty hard to push the ball in further.  Worst case, I have to puncture the ball and use something in that hole to pull it. 

If I did put a "removal cord" in, maybe by using a small anchor screw, and use the screw to tighten a cord to it.  Have other projects first though!
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: RDavidson on 8 Apr 2019, 12:54 am
Yeah. Just trying to help save headaches later and also good food for thought for others thinking about experimenting with putting foam balls in their speakers' ports too. :thumb:

Since those aren't magician grade, they won't disappear from the ports if they somehow get stuck. :lol:
Title: Re: Omega Single Driver vs. Omega 1.5's
Post by: Canada Rob on 8 Apr 2019, 11:53 pm
Interesting topic - plugging bass ports.  I just got an Energy S8.3 sub given to me in leu of a debt owed and thought I would try it in my system to augment my CAMs (as I had no sub).  It's a ported home theatre sub, so I wasn't expecting the nice tight integrated bass that Louis' subs are famous for.  Attack on the notes and percussion was good, but the overhang was not good - too slow and a tad boomy.  Admittedly, it takes a fast sub to keep up with any Omega.

I had some 4" thick high density gray foam kicking around (the type found in high end camera cases like Pellican) so I cut out a 5" disc to stuff into the 2.5" bass port - nothing ventured, nothing gained.  It made a major difference, really tightening up the bass and eliminating most, if not all of the overhang.  Until I can afford a 12" short throw sub from Louis, this should get me by.

A good piece of music to use to hear if the sub is synchronized with the speakers is Yello, Goldrush.  It'll tell you immediately whether your sub is dialled in.  :thumb: